MANILA – The Department of Justice (DOJ) is currently reviewing a complaint filed by the Philippine National Police–Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) accusing Senator Robinhood Padilla of obstruction of justice.
The case is linked to the reported escape of Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa from the Senate compound on May 14, an incident that allegedly involved Padilla in facilitating his departure.
According to authorities, Dela Rosa—who had been in hiding for months after an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant was issued in November last year—managed to leave the Senate grounds in Pasay City aboard an SUV said to be owned by Padilla, despite the presence of security personnel.
DOJ spokesperson Prosecutor Attorney Raphael Niccolo “Polo” Martinez said the department received the CIDG complaint late Thursday afternoon.
He stressed that the DOJ would follow standard procedure in assessing the filing.
“All complaints undergo evaluation based on established rules and processes,” Martinez said.
He added that the complaint may proceed to preliminary investigation if sufficient evidence is found to establish probable cause.
Dela Rosa has been named by the ICC as a co-perpetrator in crimes against humanity charges related to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign. He also previously headed the Philippine National Police from 2016 to 2019.
ia.xf
